Are you wondering why your deck quote is costing you more than what your neighbors is? Thats because it makes a big difference on what size the deck is, what materials are being used, and even where it is located.
Theres a huge difference between an 8 foot deck, a 12 foot deck, and a 16 foot deck. It costs far less if you stay with standard board lengths otherwise you have a great deal of waste. For example if you build a 14 foot deck you will need to use 16 foot boards leaving you with 2 feet of waste on every board.
The type of material you choose will also play an important role in your cost. If you are using wood choosing between different grades can save you a bundle. Composite materials are generally less but they dont last as long either.
You should consider your railing system right away because it is actually an integral part of your deck. Various railings have different costs associated with them and give different effects. For example a Plexiglas railing is perfect if you want to be able to see a view unobstructed but a wood railing can give you much more privacy.
No matter what type of railing you choose you will need a rail cap. The cost associated with that depends on what your railing is. You can see how a quote can quickly vary from one home to another.
Where you place your deck also affects your costs. A deck on the second floor has longer deck beams; a deck that goes around a corner entails more labor costs. So placement can cost you more pennies.
You also have to consider whether you are doing the building yourself or if you are going to hire a contractor whos hourly rate can certainly add to your costs although your deck is completed with little worry from you. Cheapest installation is a case of beer and some good friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Deck posts are what give your deck its stability and they can be a little expensive. How many you need will depend on what size your deck is going to be and how tall they have to be also depends on where the deck is going to go. A second floor installation will cost more.
If you want you can even buy a deck kit which comes complete with everything you need except for tools and permits. Its one way to know your exact costs up front.
Dont forget about those dreaded permits. Youll need to check with your local government to see what permits you need. This will a bit to your costs but generally its not too bad. Its most important to know what the regulations are in your area so that you do everything according to code.
Now you know why you and your neighbor just landed up with two different decking prices. Its all in what you choose.
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Decking Prices Do Vary 
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